Rams' Linehan returns to Metrodome

MINNEAPOLIS -- Scoring points wasn't always a problem for the Minnesota Vikings. Scott Linehan could vouch for that.

The offensive coordinator in Minnesota from 2002 to 2004, Linehan now has his own show to run as head coach of the St. Louis Rams.

His return to the Metrodome on the final Sunday of the regular season, however, will surely remind many frustrated Vikings fans what they have missed since Linehan left.

The Rams (7-8) have shown their share of flaws in Linehan's first year, and his is certainly not the only notable absence from Minnesota's ailing offense. But whatever the reasons, St. Louis has overcome some rough games and maintained that familiar success moving the ball. It's kept the Rams in the playoff race despite their record.

The Vikings (6-9), meanwhile, have struggled mightily in their first season playing for coach Brad Childress.

"I think there is an expectation level. You know, there have been some great offenses that have come out of both organizations," said Linehan, who was also the offensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins in 2005. "But ... coaches, players, they change. You've got to go with what you've got. It's no different here. We're seven years out of a Super Bowl victory here. There are a lot of good memories there, but we're not there right now. We're trying to get back to that."

Overall, the Rams are far from a championship contender. But since being shut out by the Panthers at Carolina on Nov. 19, Linehan turned over the play calling to coordinator Greg Olson and St. Louis has been better.

Last week, in a 37-31 overtime victory over the Redskins, Marc Bulger threw for 388 yards and four touchdowns, and Steven Jackson -- who might be the NFL's best running-and-receiving back -- totaled 252 yards from scrimmage on 39 touches.

The Vikings have fallen to last in the league in yards passing allowed, and with two of their top three cornerbacks, Cedric Griffin and Fred Smoot, out they'll obviously have their hands full defending the Rams.

"We've still got a lot of pride around here," said Kevin Williams, a Pro Bowl defensive tackle on a unit that has a chance to break the NFL record for fewest yards rushing surrendered in a season.

"I mean, you don't want to go out and give a bad showing," Williams said. "We're going to go out and play 100 percent and try to get a win."

Childress has maintained a strong belief in his offensive scheme despite some miserable performances.

"Anytime you're completely reinstalling new concepts and new words, it's always a little bit trying for everybody," said Childress, whose team has scored more than 20 points only four times this year, and lost 9-7 last week to the Green Bay Packers after managing a franchise-worst three first downs.

"Change is tough sometimes," Childress said. "I believe that this is an excellent system that allows you to be able to throw it and run it, but you have to be able to conceptually grasp it, which I think they've done a decent job of. Obviously, the key is execution."

Jackson, fifth in the league with 1,386 yards rushing and leading all backs with 88 receptions and 782 yards, is eager for one of his biggest challenges.

"I think I'm developing not only as a player, but as a man," he said. "I'm coming into my own and becoming a leader and a guy that's not only working on making myself better, but also the people around me. It's a team sport, so whatever I accomplish, my teammates accomplish."

Including, he hoped, a game in January. Heading into the weekend, the Rams needed a loss by the Giants, Panthers and Falcons plus a win themselves to keep playing.

"If it's meant for us to be in the playoffs, we'll be in it," Jackson said. "If not, we're not."

For Minnesota, rookie quarterback Tarvaris Jackson will make his first start at home, one of the few reasons fans will have interest in this game.

It's a chance for him and several other young players -- receivers Jason Carter and Martin Nance, offensive tackle Ryan Cook and cornerback Charles Gordon -- to leave an impression with the coaching staff as the focus shifts to shaping the depth chart for next summer.